"And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea."This Ethiopian represented a large class who need to be taught by such missionaries as Philip--men who will hear the voice of God and go where He sends them.There are many who are reading the Scriptures who cannot understand their true import.All over the world men and women are looking wistfully to heaven.Prayers and tears and inquiries go up from souls longing for light, for grace, for the Holy Spirit.Many are on the verge of the kingdom, waiting only to be gathered in.
An angel guided Philip to the one who was seeking for light and who was ready to receive the gospel, and today angels will guide the footsteps of those workers who will allow the Holy Spirit to sanctify their tongues and refine and ennoble their hearts.The angel sent to Philip could himself have done the work for the Ethiopian, but this is not God's way of working.It is His plan that men are to work for their fellow men.
In the trust given to the first disciples, believers in every age have shared.Everyone who has received the gospel has been given sacred truth to impart to the world.God's faithful people have always been aggressive missionaries, consecrating their resources to the honor of His name and wisely using their talents in His service.
The unselfish labor of Christians in the past should be to us an object lesson and an inspiration.The members of God's church are to be zealous of good works, separating from worldly ambition and walking in the footsteps of Him who went about doing good.With hearts filled with sympathy and compassion, they are to minister to those in need of help, bringing to sinners a knowledge of the Saviour's love.Such work calls for laborious effort, but it brings a rich reward.Those who engage in it with sincerity of purpose will see souls won to the Saviour, for the influence that attends the practical carrying out of the divine commission is irresistible.
Not upon the ordained minister only rests the responsibility of going forth to fulfill this commission.Everyone who has received Christ is called to work for the salvation of his fellow men."The Spirit and the bride say, Come.And let him that heareth say, Come." Revelation 22:17.The charge to give this invitation includes the entire church.Everyone who has heard the invitation is to echo the message from hill and valley, saying, "Come."It is fatal mistake to suppose that the work of soul-saving depends alone upon the ministry.The humble, consecrated believer upon whom the Master of the vineyard places a burden for souls is to be given encouragement by the men upon whom the Lord has laid larger responsibilities.Those who stand as leaders in the church of God are to realize that the Saviour's commission is given to all who believe in His name.God will send forth into His vineyard many who have not been dedicated to the ministry by the laying on of hands.
Hundreds, yea, thousands, who have heard the message of salvation are still idlers in the market place, when they might be engaged in some line of active service.To these Christ is saying, "Why stand ye here all the day idle?" and He adds, "Go ye also into the vineyard." Matthew 20:6, 7.Why is it that many more do not respond to the call? Is it because they think themselves excused in that they do not stand in the pulpit? Let them understand that there is a large work to be done outside the pulpit by thousands of consecrated lay members.
Long has God waited for the spirit of service to take possession of the whole church so that everyone shall be working for Him according to his ability.When the members of the church of God do their appointed work in the needy fields at home and abroad, in fulfillment of the gospel commission, the whole world will soon be warned and the Lord Jesus will return to this earth with power and great glory."This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come." Matthew 24:14.
